Image processing device and cover attachment structure

ABSTRACT

An image processing device allows for easy removal of a process medium stuck in the conveyance path while protecting the image processing unit from the outside. In many embodiments, the device includes a conveyance path for conveying process media in a specific conveyance direction, an image processing unit having an ejection surface (process surface) disposed facing the conveyance path, and a first cover and a second cover disposed along the conveyance path and covering the conveyance path. Typically, the first and second covers open and close by pivoting on first and second pivot pins disposed in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, and the first and second pivot pins are disposed adjacent the conveyance path upstream and downstream of the portion of the conveyance path facing the ejection surface.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/398,774 filed on Feb. 16, 2012, which claims priority to JapanesePatent Application No. 2011-032927, filed Feb. 18, 2011, the entiretiesof which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image processing device that appliesimage processes such as printing and scanning processes to process mediaincluding checks and recording paper, and to a structure for attaching acover to the image processing device.

2. Related Art

Check processing devices, often used at bank teller windows for example,that can print on checks and read check information depending upon thecontent of the particular check process are known from the literature.See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Appl. Pub.JP-A-2008-207927, which describes a check processing device havingplural roller pairs disposed along a U-shaped conveyance path throughwhich checks and other processed media are conveyed for processing, thatconveys a check or other slip by passing it sequentially from one rollerpair to the next. An image scanner, magnetic head, and print unit aredisposed along the conveyance path and used to image, read magneticinformation from, and print on the checks or other processed media(referred to below as simply checks).

When a check becomes jammed in the conveyance path in this checkprocessing device, the check must be removed from the conveyance path.To enable this, the check processing device described inJP-A-2008-207927 has a pair of covers that can pivot on a support shaftdisposed in the center of the U-shaped conveyance path so that thecovers can be opened when a check becomes stuck in the conveyance path.This makes removing a check stuck in the conveyance path easier byopening the covers and exposing the conveyance path to the outside.

While checks jammed in the conveyance path can be removed with the imageprocessing device described in JP-A-2008-207927, the print unit can alsobe easily accessed from the outside because the print unit is exposed tothe outside when the covers are open. Thus, the user can accidentallytouch the print unit, which may damage the print unit.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an image processing device and a coverattachment structure that enable easy removal of processed media stuckin the conveyance path of the image processing device while alsoprotecting the print unit and other image processing units from externalexposure and potential damage.

One aspect of the invention is an image processing device having aconveyance path along which the device conveys process media in aspecific conveyance direction; an image processing unit having a processsurface disposed facing the conveyance path; first and second pivot pinsextending in a direction that intersects the direction of conveyanceadjacent the pins and are disposed along or adjacent the conveyance pathwith the process surface facing a portion of the conveyance path passingtherebetween; and a first cover and a second cover that are disposedalong the conveyance path and cover or enclose the conveyance path, andcan open and close pivoting respectively on the first and second pivotpins. Typically, the first and second pivot pins are attached to thedevice so as to pivot about a pivotal axis that extends in a directiontransverse to or intersects the conveyance direction, preferablysubstantially perpendicular to a plane through which the conveyance pathextends.

By disposing the process surface near an area between the first andsecond pivot pins in the image processing device according to thisaspect of the invention, the first cover and the second cover remainbeside the process surface even when the covers are in an open position.As a result, the image processing unit can be protected from the outsideeven when the covers are opened to remove process media stuck in theconveyance path.

In an image processing device according to another aspect of theinvention, the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin are preferablydisposed respectively on the upstream side and downstream side of theprocess surface in the conveyance direction.

With the image processing device according to this aspect of theinvention, the positions of the first pivot pin and the second pivot pindo not change even when the cover rotates, access to the imageprocessing unit from the upstream side and downstream side of theconveyance path is prevented, and the image processing unit is protectedfrom the outside.

In another aspect of the invention, preferably, the first and secondcovers can rotate to a position opposite the process surface with theconveyance path therebetween when in the open position.

In an image processing device according to this aspect of the invention,because the first and second covers can rotate to a position oppositethe process surface with the conveyance path therebetween, the processsurface is closed off by the first and second covers, and the imageprocessing unit can be more reliably protected from the outside.

Even more preferably, the first cover and the second cover pivothorizontally.

In an image processing device according to this aspect of the invention,because the weight of the covers does not cause the covers to return tothe closed position after the covers are opened, the image processingunit can be more reliably protected from the outside than in aconfiguration in which the first cover and the second cover pivotvertically.

Another aspect of the invention is an image processing device including:a conveyance path that conveys process media; an image processing unitdisposed in a middle part of the conveyance path; and a pair of coversthat are disposed along the conveyance path and cover the conveyancepath, and are supported to open and close on a pair of pivot pinsdisposed to the middle part of the conveyance path; the image processingunit being disposed opposite the pair of pivot pins with the conveyancepath therebetween.

In an image processing device according to this aspect of the invention,the portion of the covers near the image processing unit will notseparate greatly from the conveyance path when the covers open and closebecause the image processing unit is located at a position opposite thepivot pins of the pair of covers. Because a large space is not formednear the image processing unit when the covers open and close, the imageprocessing unit is protected from the outside.

In an image processing device according to another aspect of theinvention, the pair of pivot pins are disposed in a directionintersecting the conveyance direction of the process medium in theconveyance path, and are separated from each other in the conveyancedirection; the image processing unit has a process surface disposedfacing the conveyance path; and the process surface is disposedpositioned between the pair of pivot pins.

In an image processing device according to this aspect of the invention,a space is created in a position opposite the process surface, whichallow for placement of an inkjet head capping mechanism, for example, inthis space.

Preferably, the pair of covers pivot on their respective pivot pins ofthe pair of pivot pins, and can rotate to a position opposite theprocess surface with the conveyance path therebetween.

Because the pair of covers rotate to a position opposite the processsurface with the conveyance path therebetween, the space opposite theimage processing unit is closed by the covers in the image processingdevice according to this aspect of the invention, and access to theimage processing unit from the direction opposite the process surfacecan be prevented. The image processing unit can therefore be reliablyprotected from the outside.

Even more preferably, in an image processing device according to anotheraspect of the invention, a capping member that closes the space oppositethe image processing unit is disposed between the pair of pivot pins.

In the image processing device according to this aspect of theinvention, access from the direction opposite the process surface isprevented by the capping member that closes the space opposite theprocess surface. The image processing unit can therefore be morereliably protected from the outside.

Preferably, in an image processing device according to another aspect ofthe invention, the image processing unit is a fluid ejection head havingan ejection nozzle that ejects a fluid, and a capping mechanism that canclose the ejection nozzle is positioned opposite the image processingunit with the conveyance path therebetween.

The image processing device according to this aspect of the inventioncan also protect the capping mechanism when the covers are open becausethe capping mechanism is located on the opposite side of the conveyancepath as the image processing unit, which is protected from the outsideeven when the pair of covers are open. The ejection nozzle can also bemore reliably protected by closing the space opposite the ejectionnozzle with the capping mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention is an image processing device including:a conveyance path through which process media is conveyed; an imageprocessing unit disposed with a process surface facing the conveyancepath; and a pair of covers that pivot on a pair of pivot pins,respectively, the pair of pivot pins intersecting the conveyancedirection of the conveyance path to open and close the conveyance pathand are formed extending away from the pivot pins, being disposed on theupstream side and downstream side of the conveyance path, respectively,with the image processing unit between the pivot pins, covering theconveyance path when the conveyance path is closed, and rotating to aposition opposite the process surface when the conveyance path is open.

Because the pair of covers rotate to a position opposite the processsurface in this aspect of the invention, the process surface is coveredby the covers when the conveyance path is opened in the image processingdevice, thereby protecting the process surface from the outside when theconveyance path is open.

Preferably, in this image processing device, the pair of covers pivothorizontally.

Because the pair of covers will be returned by their own weight to theclosed position after opening, an image processing device according tothis aspect of the invention protects the process unit from the outsidemore reliably than in a configuration in which the pair of covers pivotvertically.

In another aspect, the invention includes an attachment structure for acover that can open and close to cover a conveyance path of a processmedia on which the image processing device performs an image process:the cover including an upstream-side cover that covers the upstream sideof the conveyance path, and a downstream-side cover that covers thedownstream side of the conveyance path; the upstream-side cover and thedownstream-side cover are pivotally supported by and attached to openand close on an upstream-side pivot pin and a downstream-side pivot pin,respectively; the upstream-side pivot pin and downstream-side pivot pinbeing disposed opposite a protected part of the conveyance path wherethe image process is performed with the conveyance path therebetween.

With the cover attachment structure according to this aspect of theinvention, the upstream-side pivot pin and downstream-side pivot pin aredisposed opposite the protected part with the conveyance paththerebetween, thereby shielding the protected part from the upstream anddownstream sides of the conveyance path, and protecting the membersdisposed in the protected part from the outside.

In a cover attachment structure according to another aspect of theinvention, a printhead that prints on the process media is disposed inthe protected part.

An image processing device using the cover attachment structureaccording to this aspect of the invention protects the printhead, whichcan be easily soiled if touched by the user, even when the cover isopen.

In a cover attachment structure according to another aspect of theinvention, the printhead is an inkjet head, and a capping space isformed between the upstream-side pivot pin and the downstream-side pivotpin, a cap for the inkjet head being disposed within the capping space.

The cover attachment structure according to this aspect of the inventionprotects the inkjet head, which can easily be soiled if touched by theuser, and the cap that protects the inkjet head, from the outside.

Other objectives and embodiments of the invention, as well as a fullerunderstanding of the invention, will become apparent upon reference tothe following description and claims in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a check processing device according to apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the check processing device according to apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the check processing device in FIG. 2 when the accesscovers are open.

FIG. 4 shows the check processing device according to another embodimentof the invention when the access covers are open.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a check processing device according to the presentinvention are described below with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

Basic Structure

FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a check processing device 1 according tothis embodiment of the invention. The check processing device 1 includesa main case 2, a middle cover 13 affixed to the main case 2, and a pairof access covers 11, 12 that are pivotally connected to the middle cover13 by hinges (pivot pins) 14, 15, respectively.

A conveyance path 3 for conveying checks as the processed media from theupstream side to the downstream side is formed around the outside of themain case 2 in a basic U-shaped configuration when seen from above. Thepair of access covers 11, 12 are formed along the conveyance path 3 onthe outside of the conveyance path 3 so that they the access cover theupstream side and downstream sides of the conveyance path 3,respectively. The middle cover 13, disposed between the access covers11, 12, covers the middle part of the conveyance path 3. The hinges 14,15 are disposed with the pivot pins positioned in a direction thatintersects the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 3, and theaccess covers 11, 12 are pivotally attached by hinges 14, 15 to themiddle cover 13.

A paper feed unit 20 is disposed at the upstream end of the conveyancepath 3. The paper feed unit 20 includes an in-feed mechanism having afeed roller and a drive motor (not shown) that feeds checks to theupstream end of the conveyance path 3, and a separation mechanism, suchas a separation pad or a retard roller. Preferably, the loading pocket21 of the paper feed unit 20 into which checks to be processed aredropped is open to the top and side of the check processing device 1 sothat checks can be fed into the check processing device 1 from twodirections, the top and the side. The checks, which have a printedsurface on the front side, are loaded into the loading pocket 21 withthe printed front side facing the outer side of the conveyance path 3,and are conveyed standing vertically on edge through the conveyance path3.

A discharge unit 30 into which the checks are discharged is disposed atthe downstream end of the conveyance path 3. The discharge unit 30includes a path selection mechanism 31 disposed rotatably to the maincase 2, and a first exit pocket 32 and second exit pocket 33 disposeddownstream from the path selection mechanism 31. Checks discharged fromthe conveyance path 3 are sorted by the path selection mechanism 31 intothe first exit pocket 32 or the second exit pocket 33, which areseparated by a divider 34.

The internal structure of the check processing device is described nextwith reference to FIG. 2, which is a top view of the check processingdevice 1 wherein the internal parts are denoted by dotted lines.

A printhead (image processing unit) 40 is disposed in the main case 2 ata middle position midway between the upstream end and the downstream endof the conveyance path 3 (at the bottom of the U-shape of the conveyancepath 3). The printhead 40 is disposed opposite the gap between the pairof hinges 14, 15 with the ejection surface (process surface) 41 in whichejection nozzles are formed facing the conveyance path 3. The checkprocessing device 1 can be more compactly constructed by disposing theprinthead 40 inside the main case 2 on the inside of the U-shapedconveyance path 3.

An inkjet printhead that prints on checks by ejecting ink can be used asthe printhead 40. A line printhead 40 that extends across the width ofthe check (the dimension perpendicular to the conveyance direction) mayalso be used.

A capping mechanism 42 capable of capping the ejection nozzles in theejection surface 41 when the printhead 40 is not printing is disposedbetween the hinges 14, 15 opposite the ejection surface 41 with theconveyance path 3 passing therebetween, the capping mechanism 42 beingcovered by the middle cover 13.

The capping mechanism 42 has a cap unit that covers the ejection surface41 so that the ejection nozzles are closed, preventing evaporation ofink from the nozzles when not printing and preventing ink from cloggingthe nozzles. The capping mechanism 42 has a drive unit that moves thecap unit into contact with the ejection surface 41 when the printhead 40is not printing, and retracts the cap unit from the ejection surface 41to a position not interfering with check conveyance when the printhead40 prints.

A magnet 51 capable of magnetizing magnetic ink printed on checks isdisposed inside access cover 11 on the downstream side of the paper feedunit 20. Downstream from the magnet 51 and upstream of the printhead 40,a magnetic scanner 52 capable of reading magnetic information isdisposed inside access cover 11 with the scanning surface facing theconveyance path 3. A pressure pad 53 that presses checks to the scanningsurface of the magnetic scanner 52 is disposed opposite the magneticscanner 52 with the conveyance path 3 passing therebetween. An MICR headcan be used as the magnetic scanner 52.

Optical scanners 54, 55 capable of reading the back and front sides ofchecks are disposed with the conveyance path 3 passing therebetweendownstream from the printhead 40 on the main case 2 and access cover 12,respectively, and can capture images of the front and back sides of thepassing checks as the checks are conveyed along the conveyance path.Contact image scanners can be used as the optical scanners 54, 55.

The check processing device 1 also has a plurality of conveyance rollerpairs 61 a to 64 b that convey checks from the upstream side to thedownstream side of the conveyance path 3. These plural conveyance rollerpairs 61 a to 64 b are disposed with conveyance rollers 61 a, 62 a, 63a, 64 a disposed to the main case 2 opposite conveyance rollers 61 b, 62b, 63 b, 64 b disposed to the access covers 11, 12 with the conveyancepath 3 therebetween. The conveyance rollers 61 a, 62 a, 63 a, 64 adisposed within the main case 2 are connected by a common endless beltto a paper feed motor not shown, and are synchronously and rotationallydriven so as to convey the process media along the conveyance path.

Basic Operation

Checks loaded into the loading pocket 21 of the check processing device1 are, for example, fed by the in-feed roller (not shown) of the paperfeed unit 20, separated one at a time by the separation roller or othersheet separating mechanism, and conveyed to the upstream end of theconveyance path 3.

The check conveyed into the conveyance path 3 from the paper feed unit20 is held and conveyed by the first roller pair 61 a, 61 b, andmagnetic ink on the check is magnetized by the magnet 51. The check ispressed to the magnetic scanner 52 by the pressure pad 53, and themagnetized magnetic ink is read by the magnetic scanner 52. The magneticinformation that is read is sent to an external host computer, forexample. The check is then held by the second roller pair 62 a, 62 b,and conveyed through the curved part of the access cover 11 to theprinthead 40 as the conveyance direction curves by approximately 90degrees.

When the check is conveyed by the second roller pair 62 a, 62 b to theposition opposite the printhead 40, the printhead 40 prints on the backside of the check opposite the front side having the printed surfacebased on input from the external host computer, for example. The printedcheck is then held by the third roller pair 63 a, 63 b and conveyed tothe optical scanners 54, 55 while the conveyance direction curvesapproximately 90 degrees again through the curved part of the accesscover 12. The optical scanners 54, 55 then read the back and front sidesof the check, and send the captured image information to the hostcomputer. After passing the optical scanners 54, 55, the check is heldand conveyed by the fourth roller pair 64 a, 64 b, [4 b, sic] anddischarged into the discharge unit 30.

If the check information could not be read by the magnetic scanner 52,the check can be conveyed without the back side being printed on by theprinthead 40 and the path selection mechanism 31 rotated so that thecheck is discharged into the second exit pocket 33. By dischargingnormally processed checks into the first exit pocket 32, and dischargingchecks that were not normally processed into the second exit pocket 33,checks that were correctly processed checks and checks that were notcorrectly processed can be easily separated and removed.

Because the check processing device 1 according to this embodiment ofthe invention can read and write checks in a single operation, checkprocessing is made easier for the teller or other users processingchecks.

Eliminating Paper Jams

In the check processing device 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention, lock mechanisms 16, 17 engages and holds the ends of theaccess covers 11, 12 opposite the hinges 14, 15 to the paper feed unit20 and discharge unit 30 when in the closed cover position shown in FIG.1 and FIG. 2. Note that a variety of slide lock mechanisms or otherlocking mechanism known could be used for lock mechanisms 16, 17 inaccordance with the claimed invention.

The hinges 14, 15 of the access covers 11, 12 are disposed so as toextend in a direction intersecting the media conveyance direction (thatis, vertically in line with the paper surface in the example shown inFIGS. 1-4). As a result, when the lock mechanisms 16, 17 are released,the access covers 11, 12 pivot on the hinges 14, 15 as shown in FIG. 3,so that the ends of the access covers 11, 12 opposite the hinges 14, 15move away from the conveyance path 3, and the conveyance path 3 isopened to the sides of the check processing device 1 without the accesscovers 11, 12 interfering with each other.

Preferably, the pressure pad 53, optical scanner 54, and conveyancerollers 61 a, 62 a, 63 a, 64 a are attached to the main case 2, and themagnet 51, magnetic scanner 52, optical scanner 55, and conveyancerollers 61 b, 62 b, 63 b, 64 b are attached to the access covers 11, 12.In this embodiment, when the access covers 11, 12 swing open, theconveyance path 3 is opened so that the plural conveyance rollers 61 ato 64 a, and the reading surfaces of the magnetic scanner 52 and opticalscanners 54, 55 are exposed to the outside.

Therefore, when a check becomes jammed during conveyance through theconveyance path 3, the conveyance path 3 can be exposed to the side byopening the access covers 11, 12, and the check jammed in the conveyancepath 3 can be easily removed from a side of the check processing device1 without interfering with the magnetic scanner 52 or other parts.

Protecting the Printhead when the Access Covers are Open

In the check processing device 1 according to this embodiment of theinvention, the hinges 14, 15 of the access covers 11, 12 are disposednear the ejection surface 41 of the printhead 40. In this configuration,the parts of the access covers 11, 12 near the hinges 14, 15 thereforedo not move greatly when the access covers 11, 12 swing open to remove acheck jammed in the conveyance path 3, and remain closed to the ejectionsurface 41 even when the access covers 11, 12 are open. Because a largespace is not opened around the printhead 40, external access to theprinthead 40 is prevented by the access covers 11, 12, and the printhead40 can be protected from the outside even when the access covers 11, 12are open.

The positions of the hinges 14, 15 that are the pivot axes of the accesscovers 11, 12 do not change when the access covers 11, 12 pivot. Asdescribed above, the hinges 14, 15 are located near the ejection surface41 on the upstream and downstream sides of the ejection surface 41 inthe conveyance direction, respectively. The ejection surface 41 of theprinthead 40 is therefore sheltered from the upstream and downstreamsides of the conveyance path 3 by the hinges 14, 15 even when the accesscovers 11, 12 are open. More specifically, the printhead 40 can be morereliably protected because the user cannot access the printhead 40 fromthe upstream or downstream sides of the conveyance path 3.

Furthermore, the capping mechanism 42 and the middle cover 13 thatcovers the capping mechanism 42 are disposed as capping members in thespace opposite the ejection surface 41 of the printhead 40, therebyclosing the space opposite the ejection surface 41. The ejection surface41 is thus covered by the capping mechanism 42 and middle cover 13 so asto prevent exposure to the outside even when the access covers 11, 12are open, thereby more reliably protecting the printhead 40 from theoutside.

Yet further, as shown in FIG. 3, the access covers 11, 12 pivot to aposition opposite the ejection surface 41 with the conveyance path 3passing therebetween when the covers are open. This allows the printhead40 to be more reliably protected since the open access covers 11, 12restrict access to the printhead 40 from the direction opposite theejection surface 41.

Additionally, positioning the hinges 14, 15 of the access covers 11, 12to extend vertically allows the access covers 11, 12 to pivothorizontally. This configuration allows the access covers 11, 12 to beheld open with improved stability than in a configuration in which theaccess covers 11, 12 swing vertically where the access covers 11, 12 mayinadvertently swing closed due to their own weight. Thus, this aspectfurther allows jammed checks to be more easily removed, since the accesscovers 11, 12 can be held in a more stable position while concurrentlyrestricting access to and protecting the printhead 40.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is described above, thetechnical scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of theforegoing embodiment. Thus, the foregoing embodiment can be modified andimproved in many ways without departing from the scope of theaccompanying claims as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

Although the printhead 40 is described as being an inkjet head in theforegoing embodiment, the present invention may be used with any imageprocessing unit where protection from the outside is desired. Forexample, an optical scanner whose scanning accuracy can be reduced bysoiling of the scanning surface could obviously be disposed in theprotected part between the hinges 14, 15, similar to the embodimentsdescribed above. In addition, although the printhead 40 is described asbeing disposed in the protected part between hinges 14, 15 in theforegoing embodiment, a configuration that disposes and protects pluralunits, such as the printhead and optical scanner, from the outside asneeded in the protected part between the upstream and downstream accesscovers 11, 12 would also be in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

Additionally, although the access covers 11, 12 are described aspivotally attached by hinges 14, 15 on the outside of the access covers11, 12 in the foregoing embodiment, a configuration in which pivot pins14 a, 15 a are disposed on the printhead 40 side of the access covers11, 12 is also conceivable, such as shown in FIG. 4 for example.

Yet further, instead of pivoting to a position where the access covers11, 12 are completely opposite the printhead 40 as shown in FIG. 3, thepresent invention may include a configuration in which the middle cover13 prevents access from the direction opposite the printhead 40, and thepivot pins 14 a, 15 a of the access covers 11, 12 block access from theupstream and downstream sides of the printhead 40, such as shown in FIG.4 for example.

Furthermore, although the magnetic scanner 52 and optical scanner 55 aredescribed as disposed within and attached to the access covers 11, 12,and the entire conveyance path 3 except for the part near the printhead40 is open to the outside when the access covers 11, 12 are open is theforegoing embodiment, in some embodiments, some parts, such as themagnetic scanner, may be fixed to the main case 2 so long as it wouldnot interfere with removing the process media.

Although the invention is described as a check processing device 1 inthe foregoing embodiments, one of skill would appreciate that thepresent invention may include other types of image processing devices,including but not limited to printers for printing receipts, pagescanners, and other types of optical scanners.

Given the embodiments and principles described herein, it is appreciatedthat the present invention may be varied in many ways. Such variationsare not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention, and all such modifications as would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art are included within the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing device comprising: aconveyance path that conveys process media in a specific conveyancedirection; an image processing unit disposed so that a process surfaceof the image processing unit faces the conveyance path; first and secondpivot pins that intersect the conveyance direction and are disposedalong the conveyance path adjacent the conveyance path, wherein theconveyance path passes between the process surface and the first andsecond pivot pins; and a cover that includes an upstream-side cover thatcovers the upstream side of the conveyance path and a downstream-sidecover that covers the downstream side of the conveyance path, whereinthe upstream-side cover and the downstream-side cover are disposed alongthe conveyance path and can open and close by pivoting on the first andsecond pivot pins, respectively, wherein the upstream-side cover and thedownstream-side cover cover the conveyance path when closed and theupstream-side cover has a pivotal axis at a position in an end areathereof on the downstream side of the conveyance path and thedownstream-side cover has a pivotal axis at a position in an end areathereof on the upstream side of the conveyance path, and wherein thefirst pivot pin and the second pivot pin are disposed on the upstreamside and downstream side of the process surface in the conveyancedirection, respectively.
 2. The image processing device described inclaim 1, wherein each of the upstream-side cover and the downstream-sidecovers are rotatable about the respective pivot pin to an open position,wherein the first and second covers are disposed opposite the processsurface with the conveyance path passing therebetween when in the openposition.
 3. The image processing device described in claim 1, whereinthe upstream-side cover and the downstream-side covers pivothorizontally.
 4. The image processing device described in claim 1,wherein the pair of pivot pins are separated from each other in theconveyance direction, and wherein the image processing unit has aprocess surface facing the conveyance path between the pair of pivotpins.
 5. The image processing device described in claim 1, furthercomprising: a capping member that closes a space opposite the imageprocessing unit, the capping member being disposed between the pair ofpivot pins.
 6. The image processing device described in claim 1, whereinthe image processing unit is a fluid ejection head having an ejectionnozzle that ejects a fluid, and further comprising: a capping mechanismthat can close the ejection nozzle, the capping mechanism being disposedin a position opposite the image processing unit with the conveyancepath therebetween.
 7. An image processing device comprising: aconveyance path that conveys process media in a specific conveyancedirection; an image processing unit disposed so that a process surfaceof the image processing unit faces the conveyance path; first and secondpivot pins that intersect the conveyance direction and are disposedalong the conveyance path adjacent the conveyance path, wherein theconveyance path passes between the process surface and the first andsecond pivot pins; and a first cover and a second cover that aredisposed along the conveyance path and can open and close by pivotingrespectively on the first and second pivot pins, wherein the first andsecond covers cover the conveyance path when closed, wherein each of thefirst and second covers have a pivotal axis at a position in an end areathereof nearer the image processing unit than another respective endarea thereof, and wherein each of the first and second covers arerotatable about the respective pivot pin to an open position, whereinthe first and second covers are disposed opposite the process surfacewith the conveyance path passing therebetween when in the open position.8. The image processing device described in claim 7, wherein the firstpivot pin and the second pivot pin are disposed on the upstream side anddownstream side of the process surface in the conveyance direction,respectively.
 9. The image processing device described in claim 7,wherein the first cover and the second cover pivot horizontally.
 10. Theimage processing device described in claim 7, wherein the pair of pivotpins are separated from each other in the conveyance direction, andwherein the image processing unit has a process surface facing theconveyance path between the pair of pivot pins.
 11. The image processingdevice described in claim 7, further comprising: a capping member thatcloses a space opposite the image processing unit, the capping memberbeing disposed between the pair of pivot pins.
 12. The image processingdevice described in claim 7, wherein the image processing unit is afluid ejection head having an ejection nozzle that ejects a fluid, andfurther comprising: a capping mechanism that can close the ejectionnozzle, the capping mechanism being disposed in a position opposite theimage processing unit with the conveyance path therebetween.
 13. Theimage processing device described in claim 8, wherein the first coverand the second cover pivot horizontally.
 14. An image processing devicecomprising: a conveyance path that conveys process media in a specificconveyance direction; an image processing unit disposed so that aprocess surface of the image processing unit faces the conveyance path;first and second pivot pins that intersect the conveyance direction andare disposed along the conveyance path adjacent the conveyance path,wherein the conveyance path passes between the process surface and thefirst and second pivot pins; a cover that includes an upstream-sidecover that covers the upstream side of the conveyance path and adownstream-side cover that covers the downstream side of the conveyancepath, wherein the upstream-side cover and the downstream-side cover aredisposed along the conveyance path and can open and close by pivoting onthe first and second pivot pins, respectively, wherein the upstream-sidecover and the downstream-side cover cover the conveyance path whenclosed, and wherein an upstream side of the upstream-side cover isrotatable about the first pivot pin to an open position and a downstreamside of the downstream-side cover is rotatable about the second pivotpin to an open position; and a capping member that closes a spaceopposite the image processing unit, the capping member being disposedbetween the pair of pivot pins.
 15. The image processing devicedescribed in claim 14, wherein the upstream-side cover and thedownstream-side covers pivot horizontally.
 16. The image processingdevice described in claim 14, wherein the pair of pivot pins areseparated from each other in the conveyance direction, and wherein theimage processing unit has a process surface facing the conveyance pathbetween the pair of pivot pins.